Social Security benefits are government-provided financial benefits that help individuals during retirement, in cases of disability, or in the event of the death of a wage earner. These benefits are part of a social insurance program in the United States, funded through payroll taxes under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) that are designed to provide a safety net for individuals and families during key life events to ensure some level of financial stability. 

Your benefits are calculated based on the average earnings over your working life (adjusted for inflation), the age at which you can receive full retirement benefits, and the Social Security credits earned as you work and pay taxes. Generally, you need 40 credits (equivalent to about 10 years of work) to qualify for retirement benefits.

Types of Social Security Benefits

Retirement Benefits

• These are monthly payments made to individuals who have reached the eligible age for retirement. The amount you receive depends on your lifetime earnings and the age at which you start claiming benefits. You can start receiving reduced benefits as early as age 62, but full benefits are available when you reach your full retirement age (typically between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year).

Disability Benefits (SSDI)

• If you become disabled and are unable to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). To be eligible, you must have worked a certain number of years and paid Social Security taxes. These benefits are provided to individuals who have a significant disability expected to last at least one year or result in death.

Survivors Benefits

• These benefits are paid to the family members (spouse, children, or dependent parents) of a deceased worker who was insured under Social Security. The benefits can help provide financial stability for families after the loss of a primary earner.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• SSI provides financial assistance to individuals who are elderly, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. Unlike other Social Security benefits, SSI is funded by general tax revenues rather than Social Security taxes.

Medicare

• While technically a separate program, Medicare is often linked with Social Security. When you reach age 65 or qualify through disability, you become eligible for Medicare, which helps cover healthcare costs.

Where Can I Find my Social Security Benefits?

While you can call or go in person to your local Social Security office to request your benefit information, you can also access your Social Security benefits online. In order to access your benefits online, you must first create an account on the Social Security Administrations “My Social Security” platform. Once your account has been created, you’ll be able to access details about your current earnings history, get a future benefits estimate, and check your eligibility for the various Social Security benefits. 

Creating a My Social Security Account

1. Go to the official SSA website: www.ssa.gov.
2. Click on the “Sign In/Sign Up” link at the top right corner of the page.
3. Choose “Create an Account” if you don’t already have one.
4. You’ll need to provide personal information, including your Social Security number (SSN) and other verification details, to set up your account.

Once you have an account, you can log in by clicking on the “Sign In” option and entering your username and password to access your account. After logging in, you can view your Social Security benefits statement, estimate future benefits, and manage your benefits. If you are already receiving benefits, you can also view payment information, update direct deposit details, and request a replacement Social Security card (if needed). You can also use your My Social Security account to apply for benefits, check the status of your application, and get personalized retirement estimates.

If you need further assistance or have issues accessing your account, you can contact your local Social Security Administration office directly through their customer service.